Automotive leaks: How to find 'em and fix 'em

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Drips on the driveway. Stains on the cement. Something's leaking under the hood of your vehicle.

An automotive fluid's distinctive color can help the do-it-yourselfer get to the bottom of what's leaking: coolant (bright green or red), oil (oily brown), trans fluid (oily red) or power steering (clear). Just slip an old bed sheet or piece of white cardboard under the vehicle overnight and by the next morning you'll have the answer.

That tells you what kind of leak you have -- part one of the process. But part two is figuring out where the leak's coming from so you can repair it.

To eliminate the guesswork and be absolutely certain where the leak is coming from, now there's a quick, easy way. And you don't need to be a mechanic to fix it.

Super Seal® Automotive Stop Leak is a two-part "Find-a-Leak / Seal-a-Leak" system. It contains both ultraviolet (UV) dye to easily detect the source of the leak, and advanced sealing chemistry to repair common leaks in automotive engines, transmissions, radiators and power steering systems.

After adding the UV dye chemical to system, simply start the engine and drive the car or let it idle for fifteen minutes to allow the "Find-a-Leak" dye to circulate. Stop the engine, then inspect.

See the UV dye? That's where your leak is (for best results, use a UV light with goggles). Then, use an engine degreaser or other cleaning product to remove any lingering dye.

Now that you've found the source of the leak, the next step is to fix it. Add the entire contents of the appropriate Super Seal® "Fix-a-Leak" Sealer.

After driving for the first tankful, do another leak check for the UV dye. No leaks? No signs of UV dye? Then you're good to go. Larger size leaks may require a second application or professional repair.

Super Seal® comes in four applications: 12-ounce Super Seal® Power Steering Stop Leak, 12-ounce Super Seal® Transmission Stop Leak, 12-ounce Super Seal® Engine Oil Stop Leak, and 12-ounce Super Seal® Radiator Stop leak. These products are available at many automotive retailers and hardware stores. For more information, visit www.efproducts.com.